On Friday January 20th, 2023 at about 08:00 am, the Gaston County Police responded to 1001 Peggy Drive, Bessemer City, in reference to a cardiac arrest. Once on scene, officers encountered circumstances indicating a homicide had occurred.
The victim was identified as Matthew James Watkins, 8/11/2002, 308 Lowry Lane, Cherryville, NC.
Through the investigative process, the Gaston County Police Criminal Investigations Unit determined Chavis Samuel Davis, 1/3/2002, 9825 University City Boulevard Apt. 3213, Charlotte, NC was the person responsible for the homicide. After conferring with the Gaston County District Attorney’s Office, Davis was arrested and charged with 1st Degree Murder. He is currently under a hold at the Gaston County Jail awaiting his first appearance in court.
During the investigation, officers located a large amount of narcotics and a firearm at 1001 Peggy Drive, Bessemer City, NC. Henry O’Neil Gonzalez, 11/10/2001, 1001 Peggy Drive, Bessemer City, NC was arrested and charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, & Maintaining a Dwelling for the Purpose of Selling a Controlled Substance. He is currently under a $50,000 secured bond at the Gaston County Jail.
The investigation is on-going at this time. Anyone with further information is asked to contact Det. S. Brogden at 704-866-3320 or Crimestoppers at 704-861-8000. A reward of up to $1,000 is available for information pertinent to the investigation. There is no further information available at this time.
Chavis Samuel Davis
1/3/2002
9825 University City Boulevard Apt. 3213
Charlotte, NC
Henry O’Neil Gonzalez
11/10/2001
1001 Peggy Drive
Bessemer City, NC
